How international travel improves your mental health

A major study in Australia indicates that at least 30% of Australians suffer from mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Further examination shows that the modern lifestyle in western countries is not really supporting mental health these days (think social media and smartphones). Therefore, a large number of psychologists are recommending various ways to reduce stress, and one of these effective methods is international travel.

Travel can cure anxiety disorder, including hypervigilance.

According to Professor Kevin Gournay (author of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Recovery after accident and disaster), physical exercise may cure hypervigilance because exercise burns off arousal.

Clearly, international travel is actually a pretty good physical exercise because you have to go out and have fun! Anyone who has travelled internationally for holidays will tell you that they feel much more relaxed for that.

Also, Richard Israel and Vanda North (authors of Mind Chi: Re-wire your brain in 8 minutes a day – strategies for success in business and life) argue that putting aside time to play is paramount: having fun and relaxation on your calendar can significantly reduce your stress.

Adding joy to your agenda as it is one of your most important tasks can change your state – you will feel more optimistic and become more productive at work. That’s why well-known entrepreneurs such as Tim Ferriss literally have a “mini-retirement” regularly throughout the year. Tim Ferriss enjoys international travel and goes to different countries each year.

If you don’t take action to deal with your stress, you’re heading straight towards fatigue, burnout and potential mental issues or physical problems. It is said that every disease has something to do with stress.

Interestingly, many tourists have discovered that international travel brings back control and serenity in their lives.

Travel can motivate you to become a better version of yourself.

Rachel Rodgers is the founder and CEO of Hello Seven Inc., a mother of four kids, a woman of color, a seven-figure business owner and a loving wife. When she wanted to go to Italy for international travel, she just asked herself, “How can I find a way to make extra $6,000 so that I can go to this retreat in Italy?”

Apparently, when you have a travel goal, you become more motivated automatically because you want to figure out a way to make more money which will help you make your dream come true! This is so motivating!

When you are relaxed, you are much more likely to attract what you desire. Bob Proctor (author of You Were Born Rich) argues that everything you’re seeking is seeking you in return, so everything you want is already yours. You don’t have to get anything; it’s just a matter of becoming more aware of what you already have.

A person in a relaxed state will no longer attract what he/she doesn’t want. The secret to receiving, on the physical plane, the results you want is locked in to the Law of Attraction. So, you should get into harmonious vibration with the good you are eager to have, and stay in that positive vibration. Then you will start to attract whatever you desire for your image of abundance to move into form.

Travel can give you a new perspective.

Why is it that we tend to hold on strongly to old things and old ideas? This is an interesting question.

Truthfully, we hold on to old things and old ideas as we lack faith in our ability to get new things and new ideas, which results in insecurity and lack of self-awareness.

“International travel has become my new hobby now,” says Sam G., a tourist from New Zealand, “I had depression and anxiety for many years and then my psychologist told me to travel overseas at least once a year because that’s an effective way to give me a fresh perspective & cure my depression and anxiety. Miraculously, it works wonders – When I was in Eastern Europe, I realized that I’m the luckiest person in the world because I was born in a developed country where there are so many opportunities to be successful – I don’t really have a reason to be unhappy, compared to those who were born in Eastern Europe / second-world countries.”

Therefore, Sam G. highly recommends international travel to anyone who is looking to improve their mental health and wellbeing gradually.

“I had insomnia for a very long time, but each time I came back from an international trip, I could always sleep like a baby – I feel very energized as a result,” says Sam G., “I think travel is a very grounding experience!”

Yes, you should sleep, exercise and eat well when you’re travelling.

Deep sleep manufactures hormones which stimulate the production of elastin and collagen. So, you should get at least seven hours of sleep each night.

Exercise boosts the oxygen and nutrient supply to your skin & helps remove toxins in your body so that you will glow.

Bonus tips:

Your physical health directly influences your mental health. When you are travelling internationally, you may prepare some skin-nourishing juices if it’s possible.

1.A rejuvenating juice which gives you immediate energy:

Four stalks total of celery or cucumber: this acts as a diuretic, draining excess water.

One-inch ginger slice: good for digestion and you’ll love the spicy taste.

Whole pear or apple: a good source of fiber which also sweetens up the drink naturally without added sugar.

One lime or lemon: this alkalizes the juice naturally and gives a zingy flavor.

Handful of kale, romaine lettuce or spinach: iron and chlorophyll.

Sprinkle of cayenne pepper: it gives the juice a kick and helps with digestion, circulation and detox.

2. A beauty juice which makes the whites of your eyes get brighter:

Handful of watercress: an antioxidant with high levels of iron and calcium.

“International travel advice – when you go shopping in a supermarket overseas, don’t buy food with more than 6 ingredients on the back of a packet. The best rule of thumb is to stick with foods which still look like their original state when they were picked from the field or the tree.”